WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION June 2019 Minutes

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BAKE HOUSE ON MONDAY 10^th  JUNE 2019 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Gina May (chair), twenty two members, including WTC Cllrs Joanna Cornford,  Bob Micallef, Matthew Scott, and David Wallin.

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Tim Bentley, Lorraine Hambidge, Bob Loxley,  Pam O'Toole, Laura Shawyer, Sylvia and Tony Sykes, Christina and Ray Taylor and Sheila Williams.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (13/05/19), which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by Don Eacott sec. by Christine Smith and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising.

REPORT FROM THE CHAIR: (Gina May):

Election of Committee at the AGM.  On examination of the constitution it appeared that several nominations had been made at the AGM and not fourteen days before this.  In order to regularize this those members were subsequently asked to stand down and offered reinstatement with co-option by the committee so that the end result would be the same.  One member had resigned in writing. The new committee would shortly introduce themselves.

Gina stated she will work to make the W&WRA inclusive and welcoming, and able to address needs,  and be part of the community.  Ways of increasing the membership with all ages will be sought, and the W&WRA needs a unique identity, and to work with WTC.

There is a need to modernise and bring the constitution up to date adding child protection, safeguarding and inclusion etc which will then enable applications for grants to be made.

There is a need for a permanent multifunctional space.

There will be some dramatic changes planned, the magazine as a separate entity will cease and will be incorporated with a local circulation together with joining forms.

Coffee mornings, there is a need to increase attendance at these.

Others possibilities are to run stalls at local fayres and revive the Westgate one, Christmas party, and to take back the pancake races which could be relaunched in 1950s style.  VE Day celebrations with baking and talks for local schools.

Gina herself is keen to promote books, and is fighting for the library, and has been arranging a book festival, with Terry Waite speaking at one of the events, and should being in money and tourism into the  area. 

INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMITTEE

Chairperson, Gina May then introduced the new committee to the meeting.

            Vice-Chairman:                       Robert Micallef

            Treasurer:                                Jacquie Agnew

            Minute Secretary:                    Chris Whittingham

            Social Organiser:                     Linda Kiddell

            Sunshine Friend:                     Joanna Cornford

The  position of membership secretary is vacant and being covered by the treasurer and chairperson at present.

Each member of the committee then briefly introduced themselves to the meeting. (Committee member Laura Shawyer was unable to attend this meeting).

Pat Sawyer-Jones indicated that she would be resigning from the committee, but was willing to co-ordinate the rota for staffing the weekday refreshments. The Vice-Chairman asked her to take time to reconsider resigning, and welcomed her offer concerning the refreshments rota.

Jacquie then told the meeting that she was looking at a “cloud” based system for the membership records.  Jacquie also recommended that an independent auditor check through recent records for transparency.

GDPR Compliance. Members are required to give their permission if they wish to be contacted by the W&WRA, and forms to that effect were distributed, and will  be available in the Bake House.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate-on-Sea Heritage Centre:

Tuesday 11^th June at 2.00pm in St Mildred's Bay a short event of remembrance of the Royal Naval Air Service Station Westgate  as the bench donated is handed over to the Chairman of WTC Cllr Martyn Pennington, and special guest Jacqueline Ingram.  Then moving on to Sea Road where the second bench is installed in the gardens by 17 and 25 Sea Road, (sites of VAD hospitals).

Next meeting Saturday 6^th July at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church, when there will be an illustrated  talk by Dr Dawn Crouch - “How Westgate celebrated the Peace in 1919”.

Civic Society:  

Evening meetings  resume in October.

Saturday 22^nd June is Civic Day when many places of interest are open, and there is a walk round the  Old Town of Margate led by Robin Colyer starting at Droit House at 2.00pm.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                        

NEXT MEETING

Monday 8^th July, at the Bowls Club 7.00pm for 7.15pm.  

The meeting concluded at 8.01pm.

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Minutes of May 2019 meeting

MINUTES OF A SHORT GENERAL MEETING HELD AT WESTBROOK BOWLS CLUB FOLLOWING THE AGM ON 13^th MAY 2019 AT 7.55 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE LAST GENERAL MEETING (8^th April 2019)

These were circulated, confirmed, and adopted.

MATTERS ARISING

1)      Thanet Coast Project.  Tony Sykes asked all for continued support for this project which has been threatened with cuts to the only paid position of organiser, Tony Child, who works with one hundred volunteers to look after the coast, environment, and public awareness of the beaches.

2)      Rough Sleepers.  Chris Wyer asked how the new grant to help the council resolve the problem is going to be used.  (See below in councillors' reports).

COUNCILLORS'/PCSO/WARDEN REPORTS

WTC Cllr David Donaldson introduced himself, being newly elected, and hopes the WTC and W&WRA will work together.

TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee:   

1)      Thank You.  Ash thanked all for their support and will continue to work hard  for the area.

2)      Rough Sleepers.  The recent grant will help the dedicated team who look to finding more permanent accommodation, and also to help in cases of alcohol and addiction problems.

3)      Visitor Information Centre and Thanet Coast Project.  These are now under review and discussions.  When the new positions and sub-committees on TDC are arranged shortly, hopefully Ash may be able to resume this briefing with coastal matters and will report back next meeting.

4)      Canterbury Road Resurfacing.  KCC contractors are carrying this out at night. Comments from residents are about the difficulty in negotiating the works when directions are not clear.  However it seems that good and necessary work is being done.  Ash agreed to pass on these comments.

5)      Sea Front Grass Areas.  Some parts are not mowed short in order to support Bumble Bee conservation, the undercliff grass is cut only once a year for this and other wildlife conservation.

A question from the floor concerning the woodland area at the end of Tivoli Park Avenue asked what is intended for this area.  Ash thought it could be for a KCC recreation area but would check and find out.

TDC and WTC Cllr Matt Scott:

Cllr Scott apologised for arriving late, due to another meeting, and said he is always ready to help residents when needed.

The WTC AGM is on Wednesday at 7.00pm in the URC hall, and is open for the public to attend.

WTC Cllr Joanna Cornford:

Cllr Cornford thanked all who had voted in recent elections.

Incident Reporting.  This is  very important and tel 101 should be used to make the report as it will then be logged.

KCC Warden Laura Bungard: (Report for April sent in and read by the chairman).  Issues involved:

1)      Contact.  Details for Laura are held at the Town Council Office, or messages can be left at the library.  Phone number 07969 583922 and email address laura.bungard@kent.gov.uk.

2)      General Duties.  The month has been busy with the usual items, vulnerable visits, referrals, drains, pot holes, neighbour disputes, and pot smoking etc.

3)      Linksfield Road by the Park.  Anybody seeing pot smoking, youths on mopeds/petrol scooters in the park causing a nuisance please call the police on 101.  There is a need to know where the moped/scooter drivers live so that their use of these vehicles can be discussed.

4)      Rowena Road.  Poo bags are being left behind the Virgin Media junction boxes.  Please report this to TDC so that it can be stopped.

PLANNING

No planning reports to hand, (Carol Messenger used to provide the copies).

CORRESONDENCE   TREASURER'S  & EDITOR'S REPORTS   MEMBERSHIP

No further information.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre.  The next monthly meeting is on Saturday 1^st June at 10.30am in St Saviour's Church when there will be an illustrated talk by Sally Whitworth about the Hockeridge Hotel.

Margate Civic Society.   James informed the  meeting that at this year's Town Pride Awards the winner was Brompton Villas, Westgate Bay Avenue.  There was also a second nomination in Westgate.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Stephanie Sutton reported to the meeting the death of Eileen Cunnew who had given great service to the W&WRA over many years, serving as secretary and president during this time.  

2)      Easter Egg Hunt.  This had been very successful and enjoyed by all.

3)      Wednesday Coffee Mornings.  More members were requested for this as at present the takings are not sufficient to pay the rental.

4)      WTC Surgery.  Cllr Matt Scott reminded the meeting of the surgery on the third Saturday of the month at the library, 10.00 – 11.30am.

5)      Speedwatch.  More volunteers are required, and it is hoped to monitor Westgate Bay Avenue and Lymington Road.

6)      CCTV Cameras and Safety.  Following discussion Ash Ashbee considered that two cameras correctly positioned could cover Westgate.

7)      Tennis Group.  James Brazier said the new member Derek had started the group on Sunday afternoons at St Mildrerd's Bay and it was worthy of support.

8)      Two Memorial Benches via Westgate Heritage Centre.  James reported that  location problems had been resolved, and they would shortly be placed, one in St Mildred's Bay by the memorial, and the other in the gardens by Sea Road near to the site of the old Ivyside Hotel (which had been a VAD hospital).

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 10^h June 2019  7.00pm for 7.15pm.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 8.40pm.

WESTGATE AND WESTBROOK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION April 2019

MINUTES OF A GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE BAKE HOUSE ON MONDAY 8^th  APRIL 2019 AT 7.15PM.

PRESENT

Ray Taylor (chair), thirty members, TDC Cllrs Ash Ashbee, Sam Bambridge, and Carol Messenger, and WTC Cllrs Joanna Cornford, and Matthew Scott. PCSO Susie Temple-White, and guest speakers from Save our Stroke Units and Community Life Savers.

GUEST SPEAKERS

1.  Save Our Stroke Units.  The chairman introduced Pauline Barratt and Dr Coral Jones campaigning to save four local stroke units, and not reducing East Kent to three only which would exclude the unit  at the QEQM Hospital, thereby causing a road journey of over an hour for patients to be taken to Ashford, when fast treatment for the condition is so essential.  The idea has come about due to budgets, and could even lead to the A&E unit being downgraded.  It has now been referred back to the Secretary of Health and the vote has been delayed until after 2^nd May (when elections for councillors takes place).

A question from the  floor asked about the “staff shortages” referred to, but it appeared that there has not been a proactive policy for recruiting staff, in fact some members present had had members of staff in their family being told that their jobs would not be there in the future.

Residents were asked to be active in contacting their KCC Councillors, (details may be found on the website).  The speakers were warmly thanked.

2.  Community Life Savers.  The chairman then introduced Petra and Nicky, who are keen to see more defibrillators and trained local residents available.  Access to defibrillators needs to be quick as the ambulance service is stretched and may take some time to arrive.  A question from the floor, how do we get one?  This is by calling 999 when you will be informed where the nearest one is, for Westbrook it was thought that the Bowls Club would make a good position if a cabinet could be put up on the  perimeter.

Two hours of training is offered free of charge.  This is a Thanet initiative. 

APOLOGIES

Apologies had been received from Pat Castle, Pam O'Toole, Pat Sawyer-Jones, Sylvia and Tony Sykes, Mavis Vaughan and TDC Cllr Mick Tomlinson, and WTC Cllr Hannah Scott.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the last meeting, (11/03/19), which had been circulated, were agreed as a correct record on a prop. by James Brazier sec. by Cllr Carol Messenger, and adopted, and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

1)      The Sunken Gardens.  Cllr Ash Ashbee was warmly thanked for seeing that the gardens were quickly and thoroughly cleaned up after the travellers had left considerable rubbish and mess behind.  There is now a campaign to raise £2000 to continue the improvements already started by the volunteer group co-ordinated by Peter Hasted.  The gardens are already looking better.     

REPORTS: Councillors-KCC, TDC, WTC. PCSOs and Wardens.

PCSO Susie Temple-White:

1.      Theft of Car Number Plates.  This has been taking place in the area recently, and residents are advised to be vigilant.

2.      Rough Sleepers.  There are still some in the area, and locals are advised to call in with the details.

3.      Cold Call Scams.  There are scams being received about income tax, council tax, etc.  On receipt of such calls they should be reported to action fraud, and also the police on 101, or by using the Kent Police website chat line.

TDC Cllr Carol Messenger:

1)      Thank You.  Cllr Carol thanked all the residents for their support during her four years in office.

2)      Lymington Road Recreation Ground.  Following recent antisocial behaviour the area has been visited by the PCSO and the ASB unit and the problem has reduced.    

TDC Cllr Ash Ashbee:

1)      Thank You.  Cllr Ash thanked residents for their support, and said she had learnt a great deal during her time in office re council procedures etc.

2)      Old Westbrook Phone Box.  This has at last been removed.

3)      Travellers.   These had moved on due to prompt action. In the long term a “no stop” policy was being looked at, but the council would have to provide two sites, one permanent, and one temporary (for 28 days).                                                                                                                                       

WTC Cllr Matthew Scott:

1)      Community Meeting re 2000 Houses Proposal.  Matthew thanked all who had attended.

2)      WTC Annual Meeting.  This is to take place on 17^th April at the Community Centre.  There is a ramp for use by those disabled.

3)      Saturday Surgeries.  These continue on the third Saturday in the  month at the library 10.00am to 11.30am.

4)      Westgate in Bloom.  Volunteers are welcome for tree planting on Friday 12^th April at Lymington Road.  South East Rail are working hard on their area.  Bulbs that had been planted in an area that was subsequently mowed by contractors, but it was hoped not much damage was done as they had not grown much at this time.  Don Eacott pointed out that packs of seeds for wild flowers for bees were available from Aldi for £1.50.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

1)      The AGM.  This will be held at the Westbrook Bowls Club on 13^th May.

2)      Period of Uncertainty.  During the closure of the  Bake House members had been enjoying meeting in other organisations' coffee mornings, and the ones in the Bake house had now resumed on Wednesdays.  Unfortunately there had been a low level of attendance and for a rental of £17 only now averaging takings of £4.  An additional coffee morning had been started in the United Services Club by a local councillor under the name of the W&WRA, but this would not have been covered by our public liability.  Our name is not now used so there is now no objection.        As there is now nowhere to store the donated and lent pictures that were on the walls, it was hoped to return any where that was the owner's wish or could possibly be donated to the WTC or Westgate Heritage Centre.

3)      Easter Egg Hunt.  This will take place on Easter Saturday 20^th April.

4)      Proposed Beach Party.  On contacting the TDC events team an exceedingly large amount of paper work was required, the chairman had done this only to receive a further large quantity requiring more information and was difficult to understand.

5)      Repairs Cafe.  The chairman put out this idea as many retired residents have skills to make repairs, thereby saving landfill and providing a social forum. Cllr Ash asked if there was any site in mind, and the chairman said there were two possible. 

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

Cllr Joanna Cornford said she hopes the Bake House will be used at times when the W&WRA was not using it and had hoped that it would work out less expensive for the W&WRA.

CORRESPONDENCE

Save Thanet Coast Project.  An email had been received via member Tony Sykes concerning the proposal to cut (Tony Child) the organiser's post.  It asked that this be brought to the attention of all councillors.  There are one hundred volunteers and one paid co-ordinator who look after the coast, report on conditions, and bring to the public awareness of  the beaches and environmental matters.

PLANNING  APPLICATIONS

1)      6, Carlton Road East.  Application to change existing windows to front and rear from UPVC to aluminium and replacement of UPVC door to rear with aluminium bi-folding doors.

2)      7, Hundreds Farm Stables.  Conversion of garages into habitable rooms. GRANTED.

3)      16, Seymour Avenue.  First floor side extension over existing garage conversion.  GRANTED.

4)      78, Canterbury Road, Margate.  Change of use of garden land to nursery use with existing nursery, with erection of single storey building for additional classroom and play space.  GRANTED.

TREASURER'S REPORT  

The bank balance stands at £4,888 as at 28^th February.  Refunds from credits owed to the W&WRA by the water and electricity companies are still awaited, as they say they require proof that the contract had ended, and they are still deducting money from the credits as the direct debits have been cancelled.

The accounts have been audited by Mr Jarvis, and agreed and are ready for the AGM.

Our treasurer Sam Secomb has had to stand down as she will be very busy for the next two years and was warmly thanked for her excellent work.

EDITOR'S REPORT

Ray Taylor informed the meeting that the magazine is now going out with the road stewards.

SUNSHINE REPORT

No report.

MEMBERSHIP

Christina reported that the subscriptions will be coming in as the magazines go out.

CIVIC REPORT

Westgate Heritage Centre:  Next meeting Saturday 4^th May at 10.30am at St Saviour's Church, when there will be an illustrated  talk by Dr Graham Field - “Kent Lodge, Westgate Bay Avenue, Home of the Meyer Family”.

Civic Society: Thursday 9^th May at the Walpole Bay Hotel at 7.30pm,  when the Town pride awards will be made followed by refreshments, (guests £4.50).  James Brazier pointed out that there are two buildings selected for entry that are in Westgate, namely Brompton Villas, 34, Westgate Bay Avenue, and Sandy Villas near the Knot.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1)      Twiddle Muffs for those with Dementia.  Lorraine Hambidge requested pieces of old materials and buttons which will be sewn into muffs that will go to the QEQM Hospital.  The materials are also used to make mastectomy cushions.

2)      Local Tennis for Adults.  New member Mr Derek Heptinstall, having recently moved to Westgate said he is hoping to start a group at the courts at St Mildred's Bay.  The first session will start on Sunday afternoon 21^st April.

3)      Broken Wheelie Bin Lids.  Cllr Ash pointed out that if a bin is damaged during collection the TDC will repair or replace this.

4)      Memorial Benches from Westgate Heritage Centre.  Two  are available thanks to the Co-op local community fund, but Dr Dawn Crouch has had problems with the councils as to obtaining approval for the siting of these and would be grateful for help from councillors.

5)      Committee.  Lorraine Hambidge thanked the committee for their hard work over the year.                                        

NEXT MEETING

Monday 13^th May, will be the AGM at the Bowls Club 7.00pm for 7.15pm.  

There being no other business the meeting concluded at 8.50pm.